Atlanta has a wide range of safe, family-friendly neighborhoods, so why is the city often pictured as dangerous? The answer probably lies with the violent crime rate in some of the poorest neighborhoods. However, these areas, which plague any large metropolitan area, are for the most part self-contained. Many neighborhoods in the area are actually extremely safe and offer a variety of amenities for all types of residents – so here we take a look at some of the safest and best places to live in Atlanta.

Vinings

Vinings is located just across the Chattahoochee River from Atlanta proper in Cobb County. This thriving community of 9,700 residents lies just off Old U.S. 41 and boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the entire Atlanta area. In fact, the average crime rate here is less than half of the national average.Vinings also features convenient amenities such as nearby restaurants, shops and parks. Spacious and beautiful, residents do not feel the congestion of downtown but still have easy access to everything Atlanta has to offer.

Buckhead

After Downtown and Midtown, Buckhead comprises the third largest financial district in Atlanta. It is located in the northern part of the city proper. As a place to live, it is exciting and surprisingly safe, considering its proximity to the downtown area of the city – the overall crime rate is 9 percent lower than the national average, and the city is safer than 92 percent of Georgia’s other cities. Buckhead features a vibrant mix of restaurants and shops that make it a favorite nighttime destination for people from all over the city. There are also 20 parks within a mile of Buckhead’s center, making it a great destination to relax in the daytime.

West Paces Ferry

West Paces Ferry is not a city; rather, an area of Northside Atlanta that has come to stand for good living. It is a quiet sanctuary in Northside, located just off I-75 in Cobb County. The crime rate in West Paces Ferry is extremely low; as it lies next to Buckhead, the area’s crime statistics are often combined. Full of rich history, Pace’s Ferry was once a historic river ferry across the Chattahoochee River that gave the area its name. And today, West Paces Ferry Road is the proud site of the Georgia Governor’s mansion.

Druid Hills

Druid Hills is located within Dekalb County in the mid-western area of Atlanta city proper, and is well known for being the location for both Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. The crime rate in Druid Hills is extremely low, only .16 crimes per capita each day, and most are petty theft and minor property crimes. There are 14 parks within Druid Hills as well as a number of restaurants and shopping areas that make the area highly desirable.

Chastain Park

Originally known as North Fulton Park, Chastain Memorial Park bears the distinction of being the largest city park in Atlanta. The area surrounding the park, known as Chastain Park, is a highly desirable neighborhood with less than 3,000 residents. The crime rate in Chastain Park is very low; in fact, it is one of the safest neighborhoods in Atlanta. Usually calculated in Buckhead’s figures as well, Chastain Park’s crime rate is lower than all but 8 percent of other Georgia cities.

Those who are looking for a safe place to live in Atlanta can find great neighborhoods in all areas of the city. By comparing amenities and crime rates, it is easy to find a good place to live, work and raise a family.